New South Wales parliament has passed a bill decriminalising abortion, overturning a 119-year-old law and achieving what advocates say is a “massive step forward for women” in the state.
The bill was opposed by religious groups, anti-abortion activists and several MPs who raised concerns about late-term and sex-selective abortions, conscientious objection and the way the bill was introduced.
Tensions reached a climax last week when Liberal MPs Tanya Davies, Matthew Mason-Cox and Lou Amato threatened, then withdrew, a leadership spill motion against Premier Gladys Berejiklian over her handling of the bill.
The premier was not present for the final vote on Thursday.
Source: Abortion decriminalised in NSW after marathon debate | Australia news | The Guardian